Monday, August 3, 2015

Make up is amazing and can hide just about every imperfection you have on your face. When wearing it, it's easy to ignore a proper skin care routine because, let's face it, a good concealer is going to hide that pimple anyway. It can hide that uneven skin tone, the discolorations and the sun spots, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to actually make those problems go away? Of course, skin care products aren't magic, but they can work some pretty good miracles.

(Yes! No makeup, no filter, nada. Just me and my skin! That's not so scary!)

The first key to finding a good routine is identifying your skin type. There are four skin types: normal, oily, dry, or sensitive. It is also possible to have a combination of these skin types. (Not sure what skin type you are? Click here) Beauty companies make specific products for your skin needs. If you have dry skin, buying a product for oily skin could actually make your skin even drier!

The next step is that you need to identify what your "problems" are. They can range from wrinkles and fine lines, to discoloration, to acne, etc. This will help to determine what products you should use to help combat those issues.

So for me, I have dry skin and my biggest concerns are dryness, uneven skin tone, and a little bit acne (sexy, I KNOW) and while it's not a problem yet, I have also incorporated anti aging products into my routine, as well.

I was inspired by the #NoMakeupMonday challenge on Instagram. So, in the spirit of helping you go makeup free, I am going to share with you guys the products I use and the order I use them in!

The above products are the products I regularly use. I will walk you through, step-by-step, what I do for my nightly routine.

Step One - Remove Makeup: If you are wearing makeup, use a cleaning cloth to remove as much of it as possible before washing your face. If you don't you end up just swirling around dirt and make up on your face. It will look clean, but it won't be. I like to use Simple Sensitive Cleansing Facial Wipes. They easy take off your make up and waterproof mascara with ease. They are gentle and won't irritate your skin. You can pick up a 2 pack for $9 at Ulta Beauty, which saves you about $3. If you didn't wear make up, you can skip this step.

Step Two - Cleanse: The next step is to clean your face. You will want to use a cleanser suited to your skin type. I use Philosophy's cleanser, Purity ($24). It is gentle and leaves my skin feeling moisturized after using it. Tight feeling skin after using a cleaner does not mean it worked- it's just uncomfortable! Another option is to use Cetaphil's Facial Cleaner ($8). I also use a facial brush as they clean your face much more effectively than using your hands. I use the Clarisonic Mia 2 ($149), but many brands also make their own brushes. Another good option is the brush from Olay ($35). You cannot skip this step, even if you used a makeup wipe, because to actually get remotely clean skin with a wipe, you will need 2-3 wipes. (Don't believe me? Use a second wipe after you think you removed your makeup and see what comes off!)

Step Three - Apply a Toner: A toner will make sure you skin is super clean and it will also replenish moisture to your skin after cleansing. I like to use Murad's Essential C Toner($28), which helps to bring my levels back to normal. Another great option is Boots All Bright Cleansing Toner ($8).

Step Five - Moisturize: Now is the time to moisturize. For night time, a thicker cream is preferred. No matter what your skin type, you should be moisturizing. I use Philosophy's Renewed Hope in a Jar($47). It is thick and leaves my skin feelings so soft. It is not greasy and has a great consistency. Neutrogena Triple Age Repair Night Moisturizer ($21) is also very moisturizing and will leave you skin feeling great.

Step Six - Treat: If you have pimples or acne to deal with, I would highly recommend Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion ($17). This is a product I have no other recommendations for because this one is the only one that has worked for me. Before going to bed, dip a q-tip into the solution and apply the pink lotion to the pimples. In the morning they are dried out and you can continue on with your day! You won't feel compelled to pop or get rid of pimples, because over night they begin to disappear. Which means you won't be left with any inflammation or scars. Tip: DO NOT SHAKE THE BOTTLE.

*The item in the back is the Illumask Anti-Acne Mask ($30) that uses light therapy to treat problem areas. You get 30 uses out of it and you only have to use it 15 minutes a day. It is still fairly new, but so far it seems to a winner. They also make an anti-aging one, as well! I'm not terribly sure where to incorporate it in my skin care routine yet, but it was worth mentioning since it seems like a great product for anyone who has acne skin issues!

As you can see, skin care products, no matter which you use, can cost you a pretty penny. I was fortunate enough to have worked at Ulta and was able to try these great products, but you don't need to spend a ton of money to get great skin. The alternative products I listed I have previously tried or have research, so they are definitely acceptable alternatives. So if you are trying to get my routine at a more affordable price, I definitely recommend those products.

While my skin may not be completely cleared up or perfect, it is so much better than it used to be. There will be nights when I decide to ignore my routine because I didn't wear makeup that day, but it is always a mistake! You should wash your face every night, regardless if you wore make up or not! It is always my biggest beauty mistake and I, guaranteed, wake up with no less than two pimples if I don't. It's not worth it girls! Find a routine and stick to it. Your skin will thank you!

And if you feel like offering your skin a special treat during the week, check out Lush, they have some awesome fresh face masks that are SO worth it!

This is the BB Seaweed Mask ($7) and it is AMAZING! It makes me feel like I am at a spa!

Trust me ladies, take care of your skin and your skin will show its appreciation!

Now get out there, take a no make up selfie and embrace #NoMakeupMonday!